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Marathon Details - Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > VA > Virginia Beach > Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon

Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon

Yuengling Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon & Half Marathon, 8K

Virginia Beach, VA USA

March 16, 2025

http://www.shamrockmarathon.com

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Race Details

SUMMARY: The marathon, half-marathon and the 8k run along the beautiful Virginia Beach resort area (on flat paved roads) and some of the city's nicest beachfront neighborhoods. The marathon and half-marathon passes by the World Famous Cape Henry Lighthouse.

The Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon stands out as an exceptional running event, combining excellent organization with a scenic course and a festive atmosphere. This marathon, set against the backdrop of Virginia Beach, offers participants a flat and fast route, perfect for those looking to set personal records or simply enjoy a pleasant run.

Runners start in the heart of Virginia Beach and quickly head south, experiencing the unique thrill of running through military bases where enthusiastic soldiers offer high-fives and encouragement. The course then loops back to the famous boardwalk, providing breathtaking ocean views before heading north through tree-lined roads and serene stretches of the Fort Story military base. The final miles along the boardwalk, with the finish line in sight, are particularly motivating as spectators line the route, cheering on the runners.

The organization of the Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon is top-notch, with well-stocked aid stations, clear course markings, and enthusiastic volunteers ensuring a smooth and enjoyable race day experience. The pre-race expo is well-organized and offers a variety of vendors, making packet pickup a breeze.

One of the highlights of the marathon is the finish line celebration. After crossing the finish line, runners are greeted with cheers, medals, and a generous assortment of post-race refreshments, including the much-loved Irish stew and four complimentary beers. The festive atmosphere is enhanced by live music, creating a vibrant and celebratory environment on the beach.

Contact Information

Name:	Amy and Jerry Frostick
Address:	3601 Shore Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Phone Number:	757-412-1056
Fax Number:	757-412-1058
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (240)

Course 4.3

Organization 4.6

Spectators 3.7

Write a review

Number of comments: 240 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 24 > ]

S. E. from Boston, MA (3/25/2024) "Excellent flat race with great afterparty!" (about: 2023) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 10th marathon (9th state), and wow I was not expecting the race weekend to be THAT much fun! The expo was large-ish and had everything you need. So many hotel options near the start and finish, not to mention restaurants and things to do. The race was excellent - flat, good crowd support, numerous stations and porta potties. But really the afterparty steals the show! Being able to rest on the beach while you drink 4 (!!!) beers - yes please! Definitely take Monday off so you can enjoy!
T. M. from North Carolina (3/28/2023) "Best post race party ever!" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Nice flat course. Wind can be a challenge. Hands down has the best post race party! I wish I had taken Monday off,
G. C. from Downingtown PA (3/23/2023) "Great spring marathon" (about: 2023) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The organization was fantastic. Every two minutes a wave of about 100-200 runners started sorted by running pace. Aid stations every mile and a half. The course hid us from the wind for the first 6 miles and then we got a tailwind for about 13 miles. We had a strong headwind on the way back to the finish. This course is laid out for PRs, even with the wind. If you run it in a year without wind, lookout you will have a blazing fast time. Crowd support was generally good, but there were empty spots on the course. The best support came from what looked like new national guard recruits on their base. They were so enthusiastic. The after party was the best I have been to. The band was fun and everyone got 4 free beers, so the place was full of energy. Only downside was the headwind for the last 6 miles.
D. R. from Philadelphia suburb (3/23/2022) "Nice coastal marathon" (about: 2022) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I was signed up in 2020 and they cancelled this the week before due to COVID, so I was very anxious to get this one in. There was a really big 8K that day before, and most of the expo seems dedicated to this, so the merch was nothing special. Race day weather was perfect, low 60s with a light wind. There were 1800 marathon runners with about 4000+ halfs. The corrals/start times are the same for both groups, with a very large contingent of first time runners. I was a little banged up so I started back with the 4:50 pace group, and I was dodging groups of walkers for 4 miles (I ended up running a 4:28 so I was back too far), and it was clear based on the lines at the portopotties during the race as well as the number of people I saw pull up with injuries that there were a lot of inexperienced runners, but we have all been thru this and I think its great to see 1st timers try both of these distances. The course was completely flat except for one bridge and for the most part interesting. Very well supported and staffed with respect to water and gatorade stops, and a nice crowd for the last mile. Restaurants and the hotel locations were ideal. Would definitely recommend this for a first timer
O. K. from US (3/21/2019) "Well-run event" (about: 2019) 6-10 previous marathons \| 3 Shamrock Sportsfest Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 J&A Racing does a great job putting on the weekend's events/races. Logistically, this marathon is a breeze, especially if you stay within several blocks of the start. There are plenty of hotels to choose from on Atlantic Ave. You can be in and out of the expo (at the Convention Center, which is close to the beachfront hotels) in 10 minutes if you don't want to linger and browse after picking up your bib, but there are enough vendors to get last-minute supplies/gear if you forgot something. As for the course, it's basically flat (except for the bridge around mile 16 and then again around mile 23), but I wouldn't describe it as easy because I've done it 3 times and every year the wind has been a major factor. I've run better times on much hillier courses (including sub-3). My best run here (low 3) came a few years ago when I settled in with a group of 15-20 and we took turns shielding each other on a very windy day. This year I didn't locate the pace group I wanted at the start line (my fault), so I ended up running solo for much of the day. The course turned back into the wind at the 18.4 mile checkpoint (out of the N/NE at what felt like 8-15 mph), which made for a long slog on the homeward stretch. Running along the beachfront on the boardwalk is visually pleasant and relaxing, but the surface is concrete, which beats up the legs (for about 4-5 total miles of the back half) and you're obviously completely exposed to the wind. (I also regretted not choosing shoes with a 'traditional' stack height for this course.) So, in short, if it's windy I highly recommend finding a pace group and sharing pulls, even if the pace group is 5 minutes slower than you want, unless you're at or near your top fitness and prepared to push the final miles in a solo effort. The water and gel stops were sufficient and most of the volunteers were extremely encouraging and helpful. All in all, great event. J&A knows what they're doing. You can run a good time here, just remember to tuck in on a windy day.
D. Z. from Connecticut (3/21/2018) "Perfectly organized race on a fast, pretty course" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I am not usually a fan of larger races, but this marathon won my heart. The organization and volunteers made participation simple and easy. Days b4 the race J A Racing told us what to expect and made it happen. Great swag and a good sized expo. The course is close to perfectly flat with lovely scenery. Stretches through the woods with lots of shade; plenty of beach views; the boardwalk; and a fun stretch through the resort shops and restaurants. Since it's not an urban race, there aren't tons of people cheering you on. So, if you need to hear a lot of people telling you that you're doing great and looking good, this may not be the race for you. That being said, the support from our soldiers moved me and there were a lot of people lining the roads in the last few miles.
A. S. from Milwaukee wi (3/20/2018) "Very well organized fun race! After party the best" (about: 2018) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Came from out of town to run this and was highly impressed. Weather was great, course, volunteers, organization is top notch. VA Beach folks are very welcoming for this event. Highly recommend running this race. Had to downgrade myself from full to half last minute but really wish I was in the full. After party was best I've ever been. Great time!!
T. B. from Columbus, OH (5/31/2017) "Great expo and after-partay" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The weather was miserable. A massive headwind when running north (about 13 miles starting at mile 6) with the rain stinging your face. I wear glasses and wear a hat in the rain, but I couldn't keep the hat on my head and lost it at about mile 8. On a clear day, the course would have been great. This is the most flat marathon I've ever run, and I'd imagine most years would be a wind from the side The half marathoners started on the back half before we started on the full, so we didn't have that depressing moment when the half people all peel off. Expo had Olympian Shalane Flanagan, I like the shirt and finishers medal, and great music at the after party.
L. S. from Lebanon, TN (3/21/2017) "Loved the course, but not the weather" (about: 2017) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 First of all let me start by saying that this race had added meaning to me. I was supposed to run it 7 years ago (it was to be my first marathon) and had signed up and was training when a malignant tumor was found on my spine. I emailed the marathon coordinators about my situation and that I just did not want my name in the 'Did Not Finish' list. They went above that and refunded my money. I had surgery to remove part of my spine so was out of running for awhile. I always said I would come back one day and run this marathon. It has taken 7 years as we live 10 hours away, but I finally ran and finished this marathon (my 4th marathon). The weather was miserable, but that cannot be controlled. I loved the course and despite the cold, wind, sleet, and rain was only a minute or so off my PR and still BQ'ed again. I thought spectators were decent considering conditions and felt everything ran smoothly. I wish I could've run it on a beautiful day to really enjoy it. I can't say much for after party because I was so cold and shivering that I had to find heat, coffee, and a change of clothes as fast as possible. It looked fun! Everyone in the VA Beach area was very friendly and helpful. My husband was able to take my kids to the Aquarium during the race and then see me finish. So happy to have come back for this one! Hope to do it again one day!
John Thompson from Louisville, KY (3/19/2017) "Good Marathon only course, well planned." (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Very well organized with plenty of volunteers and super loyal fans along the route. Course seemed about .2 longer than my GPS but that's not unusual given the number of zig zags and turns (FYI, cut that nonsense out, there's plenty of real estate to squeeze in 26 miles without that many turns). Weather was a real challenge with 15-20 knot headwinds for the middle 10 mile portion of the course. It was cold too, upper 30's low 40's with sleet/rain. A real test of character. I would love to do this race again on a 60F overcast day with no wind but then again, who wouldn't. Huge thanks to the many volunteers and organizers who braved the cold and rain to cheer us crazy folks on.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 24 > ]



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S. E. from Boston, MA (3/25/2024) "Excellent flat race with great afterparty!" (about: 2023) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 10th marathon (9th state), and wow I was not expecting the race weekend to be THAT much fun! The expo was large-ish and had everything you need. So many hotel options near the start and finish, not to mention restaurants and things to do. The race was excellent - flat, good crowd support, numerous stations and porta potties. But really the afterparty steals the show! Being able to rest on the beach while you drink 4 (!!!) beers - yes please! Definitely take Monday off so you can enjoy!
T. M. from North Carolina (3/28/2023) "Best post race party ever!" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Nice flat course. Wind can be a challenge. Hands down has the best post race party! I wish I had taken Monday off,
G. C. from Downingtown PA (3/23/2023) "Great spring marathon" (about: 2023) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The organization was fantastic. Every two minutes a wave of about 100-200 runners started sorted by running pace. Aid stations every mile and a half. The course hid us from the wind for the first 6 miles and then we got a tailwind for about 13 miles. We had a strong headwind on the way back to the finish. This course is laid out for PRs, even with the wind. If you run it in a year without wind, lookout you will have a blazing fast time. Crowd support was generally good, but there were empty spots on the course. The best support came from what looked like new national guard recruits on their base. They were so enthusiastic. The after party was the best I have been to. The band was fun and everyone got 4 free beers, so the place was full of energy. Only downside was the headwind for the last 6 miles.
D. R. from Philadelphia suburb (3/23/2022) "Nice coastal marathon" (about: 2022) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I was signed up in 2020 and they cancelled this the week before due to COVID, so I was very anxious to get this one in. There was a really big 8K that day before, and most of the expo seems dedicated to this, so the merch was nothing special. Race day weather was perfect, low 60s with a light wind. There were 1800 marathon runners with about 4000+ halfs. The corrals/start times are the same for both groups, with a very large contingent of first time runners. I was a little banged up so I started back with the 4:50 pace group, and I was dodging groups of walkers for 4 miles (I ended up running a 4:28 so I was back too far), and it was clear based on the lines at the portopotties during the race as well as the number of people I saw pull up with injuries that there were a lot of inexperienced runners, but we have all been thru this and I think its great to see 1st timers try both of these distances. The course was completely flat except for one bridge and for the most part interesting. Very well supported and staffed with respect to water and gatorade stops, and a nice crowd for the last mile. Restaurants and the hotel locations were ideal. Would definitely recommend this for a first timer
O. K. from US (3/21/2019) "Well-run event" (about: 2019) 6-10 previous marathons \| 3 Shamrock Sportsfest Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 J&A Racing does a great job putting on the weekend's events/races. Logistically, this marathon is a breeze, especially if you stay within several blocks of the start. There are plenty of hotels to choose from on Atlantic Ave. You can be in and out of the expo (at the Convention Center, which is close to the beachfront hotels) in 10 minutes if you don't want to linger and browse after picking up your bib, but there are enough vendors to get last-minute supplies/gear if you forgot something. As for the course, it's basically flat (except for the bridge around mile 16 and then again around mile 23), but I wouldn't describe it as easy because I've done it 3 times and every year the wind has been a major factor. I've run better times on much hillier courses (including sub-3). My best run here (low 3) came a few years ago when I settled in with a group of 15-20 and we took turns shielding each other on a very windy day. This year I didn't locate the pace group I wanted at the start line (my fault), so I ended up running solo for much of the day. The course turned back into the wind at the 18.4 mile checkpoint (out of the N/NE at what felt like 8-15 mph), which made for a long slog on the homeward stretch. Running along the beachfront on the boardwalk is visually pleasant and relaxing, but the surface is concrete, which beats up the legs (for about 4-5 total miles of the back half) and you're obviously completely exposed to the wind. (I also regretted not choosing shoes with a 'traditional' stack height for this course.) So, in short, if it's windy I highly recommend finding a pace group and sharing pulls, even if the pace group is 5 minutes slower than you want, unless you're at or near your top fitness and prepared to push the final miles in a solo effort. The water and gel stops were sufficient and most of the volunteers were extremely encouraging and helpful. All in all, great event. J&A knows what they're doing. You can run a good time here, just remember to tuck in on a windy day.
D. Z. from Connecticut (3/21/2018) "Perfectly organized race on a fast, pretty course" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I am not usually a fan of larger races, but this marathon won my heart. The organization and volunteers made participation simple and easy. Days b4 the race J A Racing told us what to expect and made it happen. Great swag and a good sized expo. The course is close to perfectly flat with lovely scenery. Stretches through the woods with lots of shade; plenty of beach views; the boardwalk; and a fun stretch through the resort shops and restaurants. Since it's not an urban race, there aren't tons of people cheering you on. So, if you need to hear a lot of people telling you that you're doing great and looking good, this may not be the race for you. That being said, the support from our soldiers moved me and there were a lot of people lining the roads in the last few miles.
A. S. from Milwaukee wi (3/20/2018) "Very well organized fun race! After party the best" (about: 2018) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Came from out of town to run this and was highly impressed. Weather was great, course, volunteers, organization is top notch. VA Beach folks are very welcoming for this event. Highly recommend running this race. Had to downgrade myself from full to half last minute but really wish I was in the full. After party was best I've ever been. Great time!!
T. B. from Columbus, OH (5/31/2017) "Great expo and after-partay" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The weather was miserable. A massive headwind when running north (about 13 miles starting at mile 6) with the rain stinging your face. I wear glasses and wear a hat in the rain, but I couldn't keep the hat on my head and lost it at about mile 8. On a clear day, the course would have been great. This is the most flat marathon I've ever run, and I'd imagine most years would be a wind from the side The half marathoners started on the back half before we started on the full, so we didn't have that depressing moment when the half people all peel off. Expo had Olympian Shalane Flanagan, I like the shirt and finishers medal, and great music at the after party.
L. S. from Lebanon, TN (3/21/2017) "Loved the course, but not the weather" (about: 2017) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 First of all let me start by saying that this race had added meaning to me. I was supposed to run it 7 years ago (it was to be my first marathon) and had signed up and was training when a malignant tumor was found on my spine. I emailed the marathon coordinators about my situation and that I just did not want my name in the 'Did Not Finish' list. They went above that and refunded my money. I had surgery to remove part of my spine so was out of running for awhile. I always said I would come back one day and run this marathon. It has taken 7 years as we live 10 hours away, but I finally ran and finished this marathon (my 4th marathon). The weather was miserable, but that cannot be controlled. I loved the course and despite the cold, wind, sleet, and rain was only a minute or so off my PR and still BQ'ed again. I thought spectators were decent considering conditions and felt everything ran smoothly. I wish I could've run it on a beautiful day to really enjoy it. I can't say much for after party because I was so cold and shivering that I had to find heat, coffee, and a change of clothes as fast as possible. It looked fun! Everyone in the VA Beach area was very friendly and helpful. My husband was able to take my kids to the Aquarium during the race and then see me finish. So happy to have come back for this one! Hope to do it again one day!
John Thompson from Louisville, KY (3/19/2017) "Good Marathon only course, well planned." (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Very well organized with plenty of volunteers and super loyal fans along the route. Course seemed about .2 longer than my GPS but that's not unusual given the number of zig zags and turns (FYI, cut that nonsense out, there's plenty of real estate to squeeze in 26 miles without that many turns). Weather was a real challenge with 15-20 knot headwinds for the middle 10 mile portion of the course. It was cold too, upper 30's low 40's with sleet/rain. A real test of character. I would love to do this race again on a 60F overcast day with no wind but then again, who wouldn't. Huge thanks to the many volunteers and organizers who braved the cold and rain to cheer us crazy folks on.

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Marathon Details - Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon